About Me
Karibu, pronounced KA-REE-BOO which means "welcome" in Ki-Swahili, is a specialty bookstore chain located in the Washington DC area. The company's philosophy is to empower and educate people by providing complete access to books by and about people of African descent.In 1993, Karibu was started with $500 as a street vending business. Thirteen years later, Karibu reigns as the nation's largest Black bookstore chain and leader in this new and dynamic niche market. Karibu provides a "comfortable space" for customers to get information, celebrate Black history & accomplishments and meet authors through a comprehensive selection of literature.With over 8000 titles on health, education, religion, history, economics, young adult and fiction, Karibu’s children’s section ranks among the largest. We pride ourselves in maintaining a “Core†selection of literature focusing on African culture varying from ancient civilization to modern society. Other subject categories include, Brothers and Sisters, Race & Culture, Street Life, Autobiography and our most recent addition “Current Affairs†- this section is where you will find a diverse selection of writers with topics pertaining to current issues related to the Black community.Partnerships with a variety of local and national authors reflect our commitment to providing our customers with complete access to Black writers and literature. Karibu hosts over 600 author events each year. Author have included: Dr. Maya Angelou, Vernon Jordan, Octavia Butler, J. California Cooper, Connie Briscoe, Stephen Carter, E. Lynn Harris, Spike Lee, Michael Baisden, Tavis Smiley, Walter Mosley, bell hooks, Michael Eric Dyson, Omar Tyree, Tony Brown, Zane, Jill Nelson, Pearl Cleage, Toni Morrison, Derrick Bell, Terry McMillan, Dorothy Height, Johnnie Cochran, Eloise Greenfield, Na’im Akbar, Anthony Browder, Hugh Masekela, Darren Coleman, Deborah and Carlos Santana, Cornel West, Iman, T.D. Jakes, Victoria Rowell and many more!In addition to authors, partnerships with institutions throughout the region reinforce Karibu's commitment to community. We understand the importance of developing relationships dedicated to advancing common interests.Some of Karibu’s crowning achievements include the Hurston Wright Readers Card our customer loyalty program, hundreds of books offered at a discount price and a centralized buying and distribution system. Karibu currently employs over 40 employees, which includes an extensive administrative staff. All team members are dedicated to promoting Black Culture through premiere literature and quality service!Through your support, Karibu has come a long way from vending on the streets of Washington, DC and the campus’ of Howard University and Bowie University. With six stores, four can be found in the nation's wealthiest African American community, Prince George's County, Maryland. Our newest location opened November, 2005 in Baltimore, Maryland and we are happy to announce our kiosk in Arlington, VA expanded to a store front April 2006.Please join us in Celebrating Black History and Accomplishments 365!Serving the Community Since 1993!Read More Books!
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